Hickman football emphasizes defense to stop Drew Lock

COLUMBIA — As heat waves radiated off Hickman High School's football field, players took to the turf for another day of practice.

After suffering a 62-14 defeat to Christian Brothers College High School on Friday, Hickman hopes to bounce back as it gets ready to play Lee's Summit High School on Friday. The Kewpies plan to improve their defense in order to prepare for Missouri commit and Lee's Summit starting quarterback Drew Lock.

With only three returning starters from 2013-14's defense, the Kewpies are focusing on the fundamentals: making tackles, finishing plays and understanding how players' individual roles fit into the defensive system.

Executing defensive fundamentals will be important — especially when facing Lock.

Lock, rated as the sixth best quarterback in the country for the class of 2015 by rivals.com, is coming off a strong, seven-touchdown performance against Truman High School.

"Everything flows through him," Monroe said.

Monroe said his defense has to create confusion for Lock by using different coverages and blitz packages while paying close attention to the running attack and screen plays.

Lee's Summit allowed 42 points last week in its game against Truman High School. But Monroe said the Tigers' defensive struggles didn't change his outlook on Friday's game.

"We both gave up a lot of points and we have to work that out," Monroe said.

Hickman will host Lee's Summit at 7 p.m. Friday at Hickman High School.